5. he that ... them--Those who properly watch over their own souls are thus preserved from the dangers which attend the way of perverse men ([Pr 16:17]).
6. Train--initiate, or early instruct.
the way--literally, "his way," that selected for him in which he should go; for early training secures habitual walking in it.
7. The influence of wealth sets aside moral distinctions is implied, and, of course, disapproved (compare [Pr 19:6]; , &c.).
8. (Compare [Pr 11:18]; [Psa 109:16-20]; [Ga 6:7], ).
the rod ... fail--His power to do evil will be destroyed.
9. a bountiful eye--that is, a beneficent disposition.
for he giveth ... poor--His acts prove it.
10. Cast out--or drive away. Scorners foster strife by taunts and revilings.
11. (Compare Margin).
pureness of heart--and gentle, kind words win favor, even from kings.
12. preserve--or guard.
knowledge--its principles and possessors.
overthroweth--utterly confounds and destroys the wicked.
13. Frivolous excuses satisfy the indolent man's conscience.
14. The mouth--or flattering speeches ([Pr 5:3]; ) ensnare man, as pits, beasts. God makes their own sin their punishment.
15. is bound--or firmly fixed. Chastisement deters from crime and so leads to reformation of principle.
16. These two vices pertain to the same selfish feeling. Both are deservedly odious to God and incur punishment.
17. Here begins another division of the book, marked by those encouragements to the pursuit of wisdom, which are found in the earlier chapters. It will be observed that at Pr 22:22-24:12, the proverbs are generally expressed in two verses instead of one (see Introduction).
18. These lessons must be laid up in the mind, and
fitted--or better, "fixed" in the lips so as to be ever ready.
19. That ... Lord--This is the design of the instruction.
20. excellent things--or probably of former times.
counsels and knowledge--both advice and instruction.
21. Specially he desires to secure accuracy, so that his pupil may teach others.
22-23. Here follow ten precepts of two verses each. Though men fail to defend the poor, God will ([Pr 17:5]; [Psa 12:5]).
in the gate--place of public gathering ([Job 5:4]; [Psa 69:12]).
24-25. (Compare Pr 2:12-15; 4:14).
26-27. (Compare [Pr 6:1]; ).
28. (Compare [Pr 23:10]). Do not entrench on others ([De 19:14]; ).
29. Success rewards diligence ([Pr 10:4]; ).
Chapter 23
[Pr 23:1-35].
1. Avoid the dangers of gluttony.
2. put a knife--an Eastern figure for putting restraint on the appetite.
3. are deceitful meat--though well tasted, injurious.
4-5. (Compare [1Ti 6:9], ).
thine own wisdom--which regards riches intrinsically as a blessing.
6-8. Beware of deceitful men, whose courtesies even you will repent of having accepted.
evil eye--or purpose ([Pr 22:9]; [De 15:9]; [Mt 6:23]).
9. (Compare [Pr 9:8]). "Cast not your pearls before swine" ([Mt 7:6]).
10-11. (Compare [Pr 22:22], ).
12. Here begins another series of precepts.
13-14. While there is little danger that the use of the "divine ordinance of the rod" will produce bodily harm, there is great hope of spiritual good.
15-16. The pleasure afforded the teacher by the pupil's progress is a motive to diligence.